FPS3 wrote:
>
> I go by "the Grand" theory. Each component costs at least a grand- or
> multiples of that...
> Fred Sisson
Fred and group,
Your various grand categories sound about right. I'm in the midst of --
as I have been for years -- rebuilding a '54 Plus 4. Here are some more
thoughts:
New tires: 0.5 grand
Restore/replace wire wheels: 0 to .5 grand
Top/tonneau/side curtains: 0 to .5 grand
rear axle: 0 to 1 grand
bore and sleeve (+4) bellhousing: .3 grand
chrome plating or replacement: 1 grand
misc. missing/broken/worn out parts 1+ grand
If its a northern car there might be more:
body rust repair/panel replacement: 1 to 2 grand
chassis frame welding or replacement: 0 to 1 grand
One way to save some $$$ is to take thorough stock of everything needed
and order it all at once from the factory. That way it comes in one
crate a year from now (I expect they're faster now) and the shipping
cost is spread over all the items. If you do a large order, its a good
idea to get them to send you a pro-forma invoice before they assemble
the order so you can check the list over. Keep an eye out for items
they are offering to supply as alternates -- ie. items that may fit, but
are not right for your 50's Mog. (Chassis frames for 1950's to 1970's
cars are no longer available from the factory.)
Even after a large order such as that, there is plenty of opportunity to
support the US vendors as you buy everything you forgot in the first
order. And, there is plenty of value in buying the big stuff through
the US vendors (with varying mark-ups): if the wrong parts arrive its
their problem, you don't have to guess about shipping costs, you don't
have to meet the customs guy to unpack the crate, and, above all, you
avail yourself of the vendor's extensive experience and maybe even some
rare obsolete parts on their shelves.
I started with a *very* tired car. There are numerous parts (some of
which I know about by hindsight) such as fenders/wings, bulkhead, frame
front, complete panelled body frame, and upholstry that can be bought
new (assuming factory price + shipping) more cheaply than they can be
repaired or fabricated here.
--Steve Manwell
|